Hi all, I am looking at two possibilities for precalculus for my ds. We are currently using the MWB DVD's with the Foerster Algebra plus Trig text and it is going very well. He is challenged and he needs to be! I am considering the precalculus with MWB using the 3rd edition Foerster text. However, I am also looking at Derek Owens. When comparing the two texts and courses, I notice a couple of differences. I am not familiar with what should be covered in a precalculus course and am hoping someone on the boards can help me. The Foerster text covers three-dimensional vectors, matrix transformation and fractal figures, probability and functions of a random variable, plus an introduction to calculus. These topics do not appear to be covered in the DO course. Are the topics covered in the Foerster text typical for a precalculus class? The Foerster text is from 2012 while the text DO references is from 1996. I want to make sure we cover everything necessary. My ds wants to major in math and eventually become an actuary. Thanks for helping! Chris

I have a BS in chemistry with a minor in economics. My dh has a BA is physics with minors in astronomy and math. One would think with our backgrounds we would have math/science kids....... well oldest dd is a psychology major and youngest dd is an English major. However, ds loves science so I guess one out of three isn't bad. :001_smile:

Thanks 8Fill! I actual started this with him yesterday. He is doing it alongside the TT right now. I am trying to find the right fit for him. My dh really liked the word problems. Two lessons in and he likes it. So we shall see......

Thank you!

Thanks for the link. I don't know anything about the Derek Owens classes. Are they live or is it something you can do on your own time? Does he provide feedback and help?

This is a very interesting idea that I had never thought to do. Maybe we could do a session in the morning and one after lunch once it becomes more difficult for him. I still need to find time to work on word problems with him and I do have the Lial text on the shelf. Thanks!

He is able to translate a basic word problem into an equation and did fine with that in 8/7. He has difficulty with more complex problems. That's where I think we need to focus. I am thinking of spending extra time the next few weeks in the afternoon just doing word problems.

That's why I purchased the Larson text. I wanted to see if he would like the layout of the text. I was really hoping to not spend 300.00 or so on the DVD's but I could do it if I sell all the other math curriculum I have sitting on the shelves. :001_smile:

I am in serious need of math help for my 10th grade DS. He is a STEM kid and loves chemistry and physics. I am very unsure as to what to do for Algebra 2 as I want his math foundation to be solid. Here is what we have done for math up to this point: Pre-algebra: Saxon 87 (he hated Saxon and the incremental way it teaches) Algebra 1: Lial’s Introductory Algebra (found all the examples too busy at times and sometimes confusing – thanks Jann for helping us through factoring) Geometry: Teaching Textbooks (liked the video lessons and did well) Over the summer we worked through the first 5 chapters of AoPS Intro to Algebra. He did ok but found himself frustrated with some of the more difficult problems. He does not enjoy sitting for 45 minutes trying to figure out one problem. So this was not a fit. I purchased TT Algebra 2 2.0 for him because he enjoyed their geometry program and did learn a lot. However as I went through the book this summer alongside a Larson Intermediate Algebra text, I realized the depth is missing from TT. I also noticed it is really lacking in word problems (an area my ds has trouble with). He started TT about a month ago and is currently in chapter 3. The math lesson is literally taking 15 minutes. He says it is easy and he already knows all this. I am panicking slightly because I feel he is not being challenged at all. So here are my choices as I see them: 1. Stick with TT and supplement with the Larson text. 2. Switch to the Foerster Algebra and Trig text using the DVDs from Math without Borders 3. Use the Larson text exclusively (although I don’t have the DVD’s, which he likes) 4. Pull out the Lial’s Intermediate Algebra text and use it even though at points he finds it too busy 5. Something else????? He likes math and says it is his favorite subject. He also enjoys doing review of concepts he has already learned (although if a text is mastery, I can provide the review). I want him to be challenged but I also want him to continue to like math. Any advice for a math paralyzed mom? Thanks

I have not used the old version but am currently using the new 2.0 version with my DS (his choice). I have been through the text with a fine tooth comb. The additional topics that I find covered are sequences, matrices, determinants, stats and probability, functions, and logarithms. I will say that these topics are covered but not to the depth I would like. In addition, I find the word problems to be lacking in both number and complexity. We are supplementing with the Larson Algebra 2 text used with Chalkdust as my ds is STEM oriented. I do like the fact that these topics were added and when comparing it topic by topic, it covers most of the topics I found in the Larson text. I will reiterate that the Larson text goes more in-depth and has much better coverage of applications of the various topics (word problems). I don't know if that helps or not since I did not use the old version of the text. Maybe someone who has used it can chime in and let you know if any of the topics I listed were in the old version.

I just watched this and all I can say is WOW! So much to think about. I guess my question to this would be how do you implement these principles with a high school student? I would love to study five subjects and go deep with those but how do you do that when you need x number of high school credits? I also enjoyed the part where he talks about regularly coming back to important things. So much to think about...... I may need to watch this again!

Thanks Nan! I needed to see that today as I am struggling with decisions for the upcoming year. Puts everything into perspective!

Thanks Regentrude! This was just what I was looking for.

I was wondering about testing. I think my ds will need more frequent testing as well. I have another question for down the road. How do you know if this program is not working for your child? I have read some threads on the board about how AoPS killed their child's love of math. I know that it will be challenging and that this program appeals to certain kids but I don't want to give up to easily. Does that make sense?

Thanks for all the helpful advice. We went through the process to set up the Alcumus account. I did find the videos and we will use them as well. I think I will try a combined approach for scheduling math. I will continue to assign a lesson a day knowing that some days math will be shorter and other days one lesson may take several days (and we can modify our schedule). My ds likes that I schedule the lessons.

Well I finally took the plunge and ordered AoPS Introduction to Algebra. My ds (9th grade) started it today. He is also doing TT geometry this year as his primary math and we had been using some other things to review algebra 1. I am hoping this is a good fit for my boy who sees math in his head. I do have a question. I am thinking instead of scheduling a lesson per day that I should just set a time for math each day (say 90 minutes). Would that be a better way to approach it? Thanks!

I am currently doing a classical mythology course using the Vandiver lectures plus the book Classical Mythology and More with dd. She is a senior and is also reading several classical works such as Metamorphoses, The Oedipus Trilogy, and Theogeny. I have had her write several papers with the course. It is going well and she really enjoys it. The teacher manual for Classical Mythology and More has some nice ideas for assignments.

Thanks for sharing this. It was just what I needed for today. Trying not to let me anxiety guide me this time of year.

For computer science I might suggest homeschool programming. I listened to the talk given by the writer of the material last year at the Cincinnati convention and was impressed. Each set comes with a programming book and a game programming book. My ds is working through the C# books right now. We really like it. Here is a link if you want to check it out: http://www.homeschoolprogramming.com/ They currently have Visual Basic, C#, and Java sets. Welcome aboard! Homeschooling high school is a fantastic journey with many rewards.

It was me that you met at the brewery! We ate there for two nights and it was excellent. We can do dinner or dessert. Friday will work for us as we are just formulating our plans.

I am going again also. We will be staying at the Millennium again. We enjoyed the covered walkway to the Duke Energy Center. The convenience was nice. Hopefully we will see some WTM folks there again. 😀

Thank you all so very much! You have given me such great ideas and many trails to follow. I have printed this thread and have a fun weekend ahead of me. I really need to sit and think about how much energy we want to put into this as my ds is headed towards a STEM career. I may be back with more questions........ But right now I have a lot to digest! Many, many thanks!!!!

Thank you. This does help. I definitely want to cover all the genres and I like the idea of writing summaries. My ds is not real keen on journal writing so I am not sure how that would work for us. I have looked at this on the Excellence in Lit website. I wish the samples were a little more extensive. I can't get a feel for the program and whether or not it would be a fit for us. I will put this on the list for things to check out at the Midwest Convention in a few months. I need some hand holding and something that is easy to implement (I know, asking for the world :001_smile: ) I like to use complete works and that is why I have never used a literature textbook. My ds likes things that he can easily understand. I wonder if Lightning Literature would fir the bill for us? I have looked at Jill's syllabus and it does look intriguing. We are very familiar with IEW so maybe that is worth another look. Thanks so much for all the wonderful advice.

I do have Windows to the World. I guess I should pull it out again. I personally found it difficult to implement with my older dd's (I had a similar issue with The Elegant Essay). Maybe the second time around would be better. :001_smile:

This would be for 9th grade.